Category Archives: Half Moon Bay Events

If you’re a fan of flowers, a trip to the San Francisco Bay Area wouldn’t be complete without a visit to Filoli. A beautiful estate just a 20 minute drive from the Mill Rose Inn.

Built between 1915 and 1917, the historic estate is simply a delight to come see. The ornate, Georgian-style home that stands on the Woodside property is worth a visit for its old-world elegance. However, one could argue that it’s the surrounding gardens that are the most enchanting.

You are free to explore the property on your own or you can sign up for a guided tour. Either way you will be immersing yourself in all of the lovely colors and fragrances the place has to offer.

We believe the popularity of the estate speaks to the universal appeal of flowers. Have you ever fantasized about escaping your fast-paced life to just relax in a garden? Nestled in the shade on a sunny day, birds chirping, water gently running through a fountain … This stuff is the material for guided meditation tapes for a reason. The gardens at the Filoli Estate and the Mill Rose Inn each evoke this sensual appeal — an ever-shifting bounty of color blooming a variety of graceful shapes.

Daffodils and tulips are currently taking center stage in the garden at Filoli. Soon, however, it will all be about the roses. At the Mill Rose Inn our garden is currently blooming with poppies, hydrangeas and jasmine. A beautiful display of color and scents. Of course, we’re known for our roses too.

In fact, did you know that when Terry and I were first establishing the Mill Rose Inn in the late ’70s we were told by a local nursery that roses don’t grow well on the coast? That we should consider other types of flowers? My European heritage brought me both the love of roses and persistence not to be deterred by this notion. So after doing our own research on what types of roses might thrive in our coastal climate, we went ahead and planted our rose garden anyway.

My favorite rose is the hybrid tea rose. Here is one in our garden at the Mill Rose Inn.

Today our visitors often remark at how healthy our flowers look. Much of that can be attributed to their care as we have custom organic food prepared for us that results in shiny, healthy green leaves and large flower heads.

You may also notice that our flowers are even more vibrant than the ones you’ll find at Filoli. We have the fog to thank for that. A little more sun comes to Woodside than our coastal town, and the sun will bleach the flowers out a bit which lends them a more pastel-like hue. On the other hand, the addition of a little more sun also intensifies the flower’s perfume.

I love sitting out in our garden when I can to enjoy all the beautiful flowers.

A man named William Bourn and his wife Agnes are responsible for building the Filoli Estate. After the devastating earthquake and fire struck the Bay Area, many wealthy families moved from San Francisco to the peninsula to build their estates. Filoli is the only one of its era that still stands.

The name Filoli comes from the first two letters of the words Fight, Love and Live. William’s credo had been “To fight for a just cause; to love your fellow man; to live a good life.”

The design came from a combined effort. William hired one man to design the estate and another to design the garden. He even hired one woman whom he tasked specifically with selecting the various plants. All contributed to the style which emulates a Renaissance style with a California flair that can still be observed today.

Filoli is open to the public from February to October. You can book your tickets for Filoli online here but be sure you get there in enough time. Even though they close at 5 p.m., the staff will not let you in after 4:30 p.m., because there’s lots to see.

In addition to regular tours, Filoli offers a variety of special events from jazz concerts in the summer to holiday entertainment. You can learn more about the special events here.

After your stroll through Filoli, you can come back and luxuriate in our private jetted-spa. You could even spend a good portion of your day simply enjoying our garden — watching the world go by from under a gazebo.

Celebrate the Holidays in Half Moon Bay

The start of the holiday season is a very special time, a time to give thanks and be merry. At the Mill Rose Inn of Half Moon Bay it is a time of transformation. With the addition of delightful European holiday decorations, the Inn offers a magical experience for all to enjoy. The feelings of love and warmth fill the Inn during November and December. Relax and be delighted by our magnificent Christmas Tree. Cozy up by one of our many fireplaces and indulge with a delicious beverage, hot chocolate, holiday cookies, and other tempting treats. Showers of tiny white lights adorn all interior rooms and the gardens. For your celebration of the season, even the individual guest rooms have a small decorated tree and stockings hung from the chimneys with care in hopes that your company soon will be there.

As December fills the air the Mill Rose Inn will warm you up as the holiday chill comes your way. Enjoy the many enchanting holiday decorations as the Mill Rose Inn of Half Moon Bay is magically transformed into the most perfect escape from urban congestion to a rural winter wonderland. Loaded with charm and relaxing clean, fresh air, and the ocean nearby, the Mill Rose provides true detox as well as a total mental work-break.

In December, the first Friday holds the annual ‘Night of Lights’, an old-fashioned holiday event in our historic Main-street downtown area. With a parade, tree lighting ceremony, shops, refreshments, and live music, it is fun for the entire family. Have a chance to do holiday shopping, cut down a Christmas tree, and take in a myriad of month long local activities. Dungeness Crab season opens mid-November and boats in Half Moon Bay Harbor are lit up with colorful Christmas lights. On December 15 in nearby Ano Nuevo in Pescadero are guided tours of Elephant seal activities are highly recommended.

Why have a Mill Rose Inn Wedding rather than a Beach Wedding?

Half Moon Bay is a wonderful area for everyone to visit, especially on your special Mill Rose Inn Wedding. Nestled between the coast and the redwood forest, Half Moon Bay is a classic romantic getaway. Enjoy a picnic on the beach and take view a beautiful sunset, or take in an early morning hike in the heavenly redwood forest where crystal clear creek waters show you of the natural wonders of the world.

The Mill Rose Inn is located in the heart of Half Moon Bay and offers a luxurious, intimate, and indulgent atmosphere where lovers and guests alike lose themselves in English country gardens. The owner and innkeeper Eve Baldwin, will help coordinate your wedding. With over 30 years of helping couples create and personalize their wedding day and host receptions, wedding couples can be assured that they can relax and enjoy their special day.

The weather in Half Moon Bay can be unpredictable. Tents and other accommodations at the Mill Rose are offered if the forecast is less than perfect. The Mill Rose Inn is a short distance to the beach for a visit. You can go to the ocean-side to take some wedding photos, or shop and dine in our delightfully picturesque downtown. Street parking plentiful in front of the inn, and if the wedding party is of a larger size the Mill Rose is a wonderfully short distance to other hotels.

There is no better place to create and cherish everlasting memories of your most timeless and unforgettable Mill Rose Inn wedding. Celebrate from day to night surrounded by beauty, twinkling lights, and nighttime glow.

For more information on weddings and special events at the Mill Rose Inn, please visit this link: Mill Rose Inn Weddings

Año Nuevo State Park in Pescadero, CA, is best known for the approximately 10,000 elephant seals who return yearly to breed. Not only does this state park offer this amazing opportunity to watch elephant seals in their natural habitat, but it also brings families from all over the world! On top of the amazing sights, Año Nuevo State Park weather is nearly perfect year round. Winter daytime averages rarely drop below 60 degrees leaving you with a perfect day exploring the beautiful scenery.

5 Things to Do at the Año Nuevo State Park

Hike the Trails at Año Nuevo State ParkExplore Año Nuevo State Park throughits five different hiking trails including Año Nuevo Point Trail, New Years Creek and Steele Trails, Franklin Point Trails, and Whitehouse Canyon Trails.The Año Nuevo Point Trail is a 3-4 mile hike, round-trip. On this trail, you can see much more than just the elephant seals. The trail begins near the Marine Education Center and theater, which used to be the cattle barn and horse barn of the Steele Ranch. About 400 feet beyond the starting point you’ll come across the 5-ton remnant of the Point Arena’s hull. After meeting with the New Years Creek Trail, you’ll hike above an earthen dam that is home to many endangered species such as the red-legged frog. Following the earthen dam, you’ll see the beauty of Cove Beach. The natural preserve section of the trail is only accessible with a valid permit or during a guided tour.The New Years Creek and Steele Trails are considered connector trails, but they offer much more than just that. On the New Years Creek Trail, you may be able to catch a glimpse of the California quails who call the northern end of the trail home. With beautiful scenery and a panoramic view of the Pacific Ocean, don’t miss out on this trail. The Steele Trail is rather short but takes you past the historic Dickerman-Steel house.The Franklin Point Trails include Franklin Point, Whitehouse Creek, Atkinson Bluff, and Cascade Creek Trails. Franklin Point Trail winds throughout dunes to a secluded beach while the Atkinson Bluff Trail connects Franklin Point to Whitehouse Creek and Cascade Creek. Crisscross your way through a now-rare coastal prairie habitat by hiking both the Whitehouse Creek and Cascade Creek trailsFinally, the Whitehouse Canyon Trails will provide you with a beautiful walk through the redwoods.

Surf at Cove BeachThis beach stretches 1 mile from the Año Nuevo cliffs to the San Mateo/Santa Cruz county line. Visitors to this beach come for a multitude of reasons from a world-class surf break to seeing the different types of local animals.

Get Married at Año Nuevo State ParkWith all of the surrounding beauty, this would be a perfect place to profess your commitment to the one you love. If you are interested in getting married in Año Nuevo State Park, you will need to obtain a permit by emailing SMPermits@parks.ca.gov.

See the Elephant Seals at Año Nuevo State Park The elephant seal’s breeding season begins when the males arrive in December. After about 4 to 6 weeks after the seal pups are born, they will start to molt their black fur coat to reveal a shiny silver coat. For more information on the elephant seals, make sure to check out the park website.

Take Guided Walks at Año Nuevo State ParkFinally, if you are not adventurous or just prefer a guided walk over a hike, be sure to make a reservation. From guided seal walks to other specialty walks, Año Nuevo State Park has you covered.

After an enjoyable day at Año Nuevo State Park, come back to Mill Rose Inn and relax. Located in beautiful Half Moon Bay, we would love to host you. After a great night’s sleep you will receive a gourmet breakfast delivered right to your room. For more information about Half Moon Bay make sure to download our Vacation Guide.

Christmas is such a wonderful time of the year filled with family, friends, and joy. There is no better way to spend your holidays than with a beautiful Half Moon Bay Christmas! With gorgeous weather and merry events, this will be one holiday season you’ll remember forever.

Half Moon Bay Christmas Events

Santa’s Tree Farm and Village

Since 1972, Santa’s Tree Farm and Village has been delighting families of all ages with their festive 487-acre choose and cut Christmas trees. With six different species of trees to choose from, you and your family will be able to find the perfect tree for your living room this Christmas. With every tree purchase, you can enjoy complimentary hot cider and candy canes as you make your way over to Santa’s Village. Santa’s Village offers both free and paid activities for the whole family to enjoy. At no cost, you can enjoy a festive puppet show, visit with Santa, meet and greet with the various characters around the village, and walk through the Sleigh Bells Gift Shoppe. For a small fee, you can attend Storytime with Mrs. Claus while you’re sipping a hot apple cider, receive a personalized letter from Santa and work along the elves at the Christmas Stocking Decoration Station. You may also join in on the What’s Behind the Tree “Treasure Hunt,” play putt-putt with Rudolph and Frosty, and board The Santa Express. There is so much to do at Santa’s Tree Farm and Village that you could stay a whole day! They are open from November 22nd through December 24th. Make sure to check their website for update events.

Lemos Farm

Starting the day after Thanksgiving, Lemos Farm turns into a magnificent winter wonderland of fun. Here you can hop on their Hay Ride and browse their Christmas tree field to choose the perfect tree for you and your family. For a quicker trip through the field, board the Choo-Choo Train, which adds a festive touch to your holiday. Lemos Farm also has a pony ride, a play town, and a petting zoo. To check out the prices of all their activities, including unlimited passes, visit their website.

Night of Lights

On December 4th from 6-9 p.m., head to Half Moon Bay’s downtown to see the magical Night of Lights. Night of Lights is a good, old-fashioned holiday event hosted each year on the first Friday in December. View all of the trees decorated with sparkling lights and stay out late shopping, as many of the stores have extended hours for all of your holiday shopping needs. Don’t miss the tree lighting ceremony at Mac Dutra Park, the Parade of Lights down Main Street, and the carolers and musical entertainment.

Where to Stay for Your Half Moon Bay Christmas

Enjoy everything Half Moon Bay has to offer during Christmastime with a stay at the Mill Rose Inn. With lavish holiday decorations, you will feel right at home while enjoying Half Moon Bay Christmas. To learn more about Half Moon Bay while you’re planning your visit, make sure to download our free Vacation Guide where you’ll find all of our favorite activities, eateries, and more!

Half Moon Bay’s biggest event of the autumn is coming up! The Pumpkin Festival in Half Moon Bay will return for its 45th year this October 17th through the 18th. Each year Half Moon Bay becomes the World Pumpkin Capital as it celebrates the fall with a variety of festivities that include pumpkin showcases, arts, crafts, food, and live entertainment. The Half Moon Bay Art and Pumpkin Festival is a tradition maintained in the area similar to the Coastside Farmer’s Market that you have to participate in at least once in your life! At the Mill Rose Inn we love this yearly event and want to share some information about the Half Moon Bay Pumpkin Festival, one of the most fun things to do near Half Moon Bay, with you!

Half Moon Bay Pumpkin Festival History

Now in its 45th year, the Pumpkin Festival in Half Moon Bay began in 1971, which is also when the Main Street Beautification Committee was formed in Half Moon Bay. The original goal of the festival was to raise money for the restoration and revitalization of Half Moon Bay’s Main Street. Today, the festival still celebrates the bounty of the harvest season and the area’s many pumpkin patches. While the first Half Moon Bay Art & Pumpkin Festival drew a crowd of about 30,000 people over the course of the weekend, today the downtown area sees scores more people during the festivities.

Events at the Pumpkin Festival in Half Moon Bay

Preceding the festival on Sunday, October 12th, a screening of “Rise of the Giants”, a new documentary about giant pumpkin growers, will be screened at Cameron’s Inn Outback. Then the customer “kick off” event, the Safeway World Championship Pumpkin Weigh-Off, will mark the official start of the weekend! Pumpkins of more than 1,000 pounds compete to find the biggest in the land! In addition to the Weigh-Off there is an exciting schedule of events during the Pumpkin Festival in Half Moon Bay. The events include the Great Pumpkin Parade (showcasing the winning weigh-off pumpkin), a costume contest, pie eating contest, Pumpkin Run/Walk on the Coastside Trail, and live entertainment on several stages.

Activities During the Pumpkin Festival in Half Moon Bay

Along with the contest events at the Pumpkin Festival in Half Moon Bay, there are other activities to participate in. Arts and crafts from local, national, and even international artisans will available for purchase, with a special locals section that will provide you with the opportunity to support the community while discovering one-of-a-kind crafts and art like glass blown pumpkins made by Half Moon Bay glass blowing artisans. There will be a large variety of pumpkin flavored and infused food and beverages including the stand-by pumpkin pie and pumpkin ale. You’ll never be bored or hungry when you visit the Pumpkin Festival in Half Moon Bay.

When you come to a local event like the Pumpkin Festival in Half Moon Bay, the Mill Rose Inn is the ideal place to stay. Located in the heart of Half Moon Bay, you’ll be close to the action – whether it’s for a festival or just a weekend getaway. Our Half Moon Bay bed and breakfast has luxurious and elegant accommodations with modern amenities to keep you in the utmost comfort during your stay. You can truly indulge while at the Mill Rose Inn, either with a massage, a soak in our garden jacuzzi, or a stroll through our amazing gardens. We’ll make sure your time in the area is unforgettable.

Surfing is one of Half Moon Bay’s most popular pastimes, and not just for the kids or the local water lovers, but in the winter months it becomes a hotbed for professionals from around the world. Mavericks Half Moon Bay is one of the most famous swells on the entire globe, and home to the epic Titans of Mavericks surf competition each winter. Whether you are yourself a professional surfer or aspiring to compete on this level, spending some time out on the waters of Mavericks Half Moon Bay is practically a prerequisite to entering this world of great waves.

Where and What is Mavericks Half Moon Bay?

This famous wave is found about a mile off the coast of one of the area’s most popular surfing spots for wave riders, Pillar Point. During the winter months the Mavericks wave is known to rise up to 60 feet high, and can be so ferociously explosive that it can actually be recorded on the Richter scale. While it is one of the world’s most celebrated swells, it is inevitably one of its most treacherous as well, having taken the lives of many people throughout the years. Half Moon Bay native, Jeff Clark, was the first person to surf the big wave in 1975, just a high schooler at the time. While out surfing with some friends, he noticed the wave offshore and made a plan to swim out and hit it. He has been surfing Mavericks every year for the past 40 years.

Titans of Mavericks

Titans of Mavericks Half Moon Bay takes place sometime within the season, which opens January 1st and runs through March 31st. In the preseason, hopeful competitors head to the area to show off their skills with the hopes of being one of the 24 finalists chosen to compete during the official showdown. Competitors are watched closely by the C5, as the judges are known, during the preseason months and are judged according to a list of criteria.

The C5 is concerned with more than just fitness and skill, but also dedication to the Mavericks wave and the ability to understand its makeup and, ultimately, on their character. The mavericks compete under very strenuous conditions and the judges need to be sure their heart is in it for the right reasons. Are you involved in the community? Do you have good rapport with the other big wave surfers? Basically, are you an upstanding citizen who, in case of emergency, will respond in a predictable manner? These are incredibly important questions to answer before allowing someone to compete in such a high-stakes race.

Mavericks has been rightfully feared since its discovery, attracting only surfers who are truly up to challenge after decades of experience in the water, many of whom have earned the title Titan of Mavericks Half Moon Bay. If you are capable of competing on this level, start gearing up for another great season of surfing off the Northern California Coast. If you love surfing but your skill is more intermediate, considering coming to witness the breathtaking competition, and hitting the waves elsewhere in the area. They are still great waves!

If you’re looking for other things to do while visiting the area, check out this free Half Moon Bay vacation guide!

In mid-August as the summer is winding down and the kids are gearing up to get back to school, a small North California town on the coast throws its biggest bash of the year to celebrate creativity. The Pescadero Arts and Fun Festival, taking place August 15th and 16th from 10 am to 6 pm, began as an outlet for local artists to gather the community around locally made arts and crafts – something the town has in abundance. Nearly 25 years later, the Pescadero Arts and Fun Festival is a staple community event that, while completely free, has been a central fundraising source for the town’s youth and creative programs.

Just north of Half Moon Bay, Pescadero has the perfect downtown to enjoy the festival’s many vendors, performers, and chefs. This is truly a town full of talent, whom locals and longtime visitors alike come out to support each year for this fun event.

Vendors at the Pescadero Arts and Fun Festival

With new applicants and vendors applying for a spot each year, they are always diligently judged before being allowed to display and sell their art at the festival. The application process ensures that all vendors have tasteful, and high-quality products – a reputation the festival is known to uphold. You are sure to see jewelry and home decor makers, painters, photographers and many mixed media artists who get their inspiration from the very ground on which the festival stands.

Paffy’s Kid Korral

Like any good small town festival, there are many special activities for the kids to keep them safe and occupied while you peruse the vendors and get ready for mealtime. Your kids will love this chance for creative play! Make sure they’re ready for face painting, craft making, and lots of bouncing around.

Live Music and Performances

Known for their killer lineups and stellar live performances, you can be sure to expect great music at the Pescadero Arts and Fun Festival. Another highlight of the weekend will be the Sunday afternoon Fashion Show, known for being a comedic rendition of high fashion and culture while also throwing in some avant-garde designs by local craftsmen.

If you are looking for an entertaining and inspiring weekend to visit the Half Moon Bay area, this mid-August slot is a great choice to be sure you get the full effect of these quirky Northern California towns. Located right downtown, the Mill Rose Inn makes for a convenient and elegant bed and breakfast that will give your vacation all the more comfort. August in the area is known for its temperate weather and some of the sunniest days of the year.

If you’re considering planning a trip to the area soon, definitely consider downloading our free vacation guide for more ideas on things to see and do in and around Half Moon Bay.

Now that spring is here and it’s time to start dreaming about your summer vacation, I’ll bet that Half Moon Bay is on your list of potential places to see. Northern California is the ideal place for a trip in the warm summer months as it never gets too hot, yet you can expect 80-degree temperatures accompanied by lots of sunshine. It’s perfect beach weather, and you’ll find many of those right here among the other Half Moon Bay activities waiting to be explored. Relax and enjoy a good book on the beach, or take an adventure in a kayak or even tackle the gnarly West Coast surfing.

This list of summertime Half Moon Bay activities will certainly tip the scales and have you California-bound for your next getaway.

Salmon Fishing

Pillar Point Harbor in Half Moon Bay is one of the biggest King Salmon fisheries in the whole world. With the season just vamping up, anglers can expect to take home their fair share of fish, weighing in anywhere between five and fifty pounds. There are numerous options for fishing charters, most of which leave early in the morning. If you’re looking for a cheaper, or perhaps more challenging day, consider renting a fishing kayak to paddle out and reel in your day’s catch.

Bach Summer Series

People from the Bay area to Silicon Valley look forward to the Bach Summer Series all year long, and it begins on May 31st! Taking place on Sunday afternoons, these concerts make for the perfect relaxing Sunday, post-brunch and just in time for evening cocktails. Just off Highway 1 in Half Moon Bay, with your general admission ticket you can look forward to a buffet and wine bar, or a picnic on Miramar Beach, where the series takes place. Make sure to bring layers, as you may get chilly while the day winds down.

Tour des Fleurs

Half Moon Bay is the perfect place to enjoy the spring and summer flowers, and on July 25th anyone will have the chance to go on this great flower tour around the city. Visit nurseries, farms, flower shops, and wineries and learn about what’s growing and how the experts are caring for their plants. Be sure to call ahead and make your reservations for the Tour des Fleurs!

Pescadero Arts & Fun Festival

Just north of Half Moon Bay in the town of Pescadero on the weekend of August 15th and 16th, this free festival will take place in their quaint, oceanside downtown area. Dubbed an “Old Fashioned Country Festival” it promotes local artists and raises funds to benefirt youth programs. You can look forward to vendors selling everything from fresh local food to handcrafted goods, live music, and many fun activities for the kids!

We have hardly scratched the surface of Half Moon Bay activities that you’ll have the chance to experience while visiting here this summer. Another great experience while here is a stay at the Mill Rose Inn located right downtown within walking distance of the town’s best shopping, dining and entertainment establishments. Book your trip now and see this beautiful Pacific coast gem for yourself!

Half Moon Bay is more than its cliffs sweeping out to see, it’s rolling hills to the east and its miles of Northern California beaches, but it’s a unique coastal community whose sense of place is as beautiful as its natural landscape. The annual events that celebrate the town’s culture, history and beauty are chances to appreciate all that this corner of the coast has to offer. Weekly events are similarly great times to grasp what makes this oceanside have different. Every third Saturday of the month locals from around the Bay Area head to the Half Moon Bay Flower Market where they appreciate the community and it’s small businesses by purchasing beautiful and locally grown flowers and plants of all kinds.

The market is open every month except for October when the Half Moon Bay Pumpkin Festival takes over town. November through April, it is held indoors at La Piazza and May through September the Half Moon Bay Flower Market can be found at the intersection of Main Street and Kelley Avenue. It runs from 9 AM to 3 PM, and when the farmer’s market is happening simultaneously there is a hayride shuttle that transports patrons between the two free of charge. The market typically has live music, and oftentimes live art as the downtown mural is repainted frequently.

The Half Moon Bay Flower Market is a great family outing where people are united around a love for beauty and a creative eye. A purchase at this market is more than just a chance to bring home beautiful flowers, but it’s a boost to the local economy and chance to enhance the community by interacting directly with local growers. As farmers now move beyond the popular flora of roses and chrysanthemums and incorporate a diversity of native plants that capture the spirit of the land in every bouquet, you also have the chance to learn about the area’s natural history from the people who have been working on on the land the longest.

Winter holidays are a great time to visit the Half Moon Bay Flower Market with vendors making themed crafts and bouquets with their bounty. Before thanksgiving you’ll find tall colored grasses that can be piled in tall vases to give your home a harvest feel. The market will be stocked with fall colors and pre-arranged centerpieces for your parties. Christmastime is beautiful with evergreen bouquets that will make your home smell like a Christmas tree, and wreaths and bows and all varieties for that will put a lively touch in your decorating. It’s inspiring to see how growers are more than their green thumbs, but they are artists at taking what was once wild, reforming it into another beautiful thing.

There’s not better view or smell in the area than a stroll through the Half Moon Bay Flower Market. If you are yourself a connoisseur of flowers and their various arrangements then you’ll love our rose-themed rooms and garden at the Mill Rose Inn, located right downtown in Half Moon Bay.